Combination rotary switch and circuit breaker



Oct. 19, 1954 s. s. ELLITHIORPE 2,692,309

COMBINATION ROTARY SWITCH AND CIRCUIT BREAKER Filed Aug. 11, 1949 3Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR: GILBERT S. ELLITHORPE ATT'YS 0 1954 G. s.'ELLITHORPE 9 COMBINATION ROTARY SWITCH AND CIRCUIT Filed! Aug. '11,1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 l2 l5 8 1O 9 H xmw 'INVENTOR: GILBERT S.ELLETHORPE AT T'YS Oct 1954 e. s. ELLJTHORPE 2,692,309

COMBINATION ROTARY SWITCH AND CIRCUIT BREAKER Filed Aug. 11, 1949 3Sheets-Sheet 3 ATT'YS Patented Oct. 19, 1954 UNITED STATES Z TENT OFFICEGOMEENATION ROTARY SWITCH AND GKBCUIT BREAKER 20 Claims.

This invention relates to electric switch mechanisms havingself-contained circuit protective means and particularly to such devicesadapted to control selectively a plurality of circuits energized from acommon power source.

The main objects of this invention are to provide an improved switchmechanism; to provide an improved switch having an internal circuitbreaker; to provide an improved combination switching contact carrierand circuit breaker; to provide such a device in which the circuitbreaker is associated with the operative switch element but in which theadjustment of operation of such circuit breaker is uneffected by themechanical switching operations or the wear of the contacts or otherswitch parts; and to provide such a device in which the circuit breakeris protectively housed within the body of the movable switching element.

Other principal objects of this invention are to provide an improvedoverload protected switch mechanism having an automatic emergencycircuit; to provide such a device in which the emergency circuit isoperated automatically upon overload in the principal operating switchposition; to provide such a device having a circuit breaker operableunder overload conditions to close the emergency circuit; to provide animproved overload protected rotary switch for automotive lightingcircuits; and to provide such a device having a separate emergencylighting circuit operable automatically upon overload of the principallighting circuit.

A specific embodiment of this invention is shown in the accompanyingdrawings in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a rotary switch embodying theimprovements and showing its component parts in perspective and insequential arrangement.

Fig. 2 is a rear view of the switch assembly showing the arrangement ofits terminals and the relative position of the terminal contacts on theinner face of the terminal board.

Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view of the switch, as taken on line 3-3 ofFig. 4, showing the switching element or carrier and its contactingelements, the carrier being in off position relative to the contactelements shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4= is a sectional elevation of the switch assembly as taken on linei-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a modified form of the switch assembly,taken from the same position as Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional plan view of the same as taken on line 6-45 ofFig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a sectional View of the same as on line i-'! of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the same as line 8-43 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another arrangement of the improvedswitch carrier in which a contact plate and circuit breaker areindependently mounted in the carrier body.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the same showing the manner of contactengagement with the surface of a terminal board.

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the same as taken on line H-H of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an improved carrier construction inwhich the circuit breaker lade carries the switching contacts whichengage the terminal board.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the same similar to Fig. 10, and

Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the same as on line l4|4 of Fig.13.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive of the drawings, my improved switchconstruction is embodied in a rotary switch which generally comprises aterminal board or block I; a switching means or contact plate 2; acarrier or rotor 3, adapted to carry the contact plate, a carrier plateor actuator 4, to drive the rotor; a drive shaft 5; and a housing 6arranged for mounting on or attachment to the terminal board forenclosing the switching mechanism. These elements or components of theswitch are assembled and operate in substantially the usual manner.However, the arrangement of the switch circuits and the contactstherefor on the terminal board 1, and the construction and assembly ofthe contact plate 2, together with the rotor 3, are novel and it is tothe improvements of these devices that the present invention isparticularly directed.

As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4:, the terminal board 8 is a disc-likemember, made of any suitable dielectric material, which has a pluralityof connector terminals mounted thereon, in angularly spaced relation,for the several leads of the circuits that the switch is to control. Anincoming power or battery terminal I is also provided at the center ofthe terminal board and all of these terminals are mounted by means ofrivets which have their heads disposed on the opposite or inner side ofthe terminal board in the usual manner. In addition to the primarycircuit terminals the terminal board also carries, on its rear or outerside, a pair of fuse clips 8 and s for a removable cartridge type offuse it, the purpose of which will be later explained. The

clips 8 and 9 are mounted by means of rivets which also have their headsdisposed on the inner side of the terminal board, in substantially thesame manner as the rivets of the primary circuit terminals, and the clip9 is directly connected, by its rivet, with its own terminal orconnector I I.

In the form shown, the switch is particularly designed for contro'lingautomotive lighting circuits. Thus, the tail light terminal l2 and theinstrumental panel light terminal l3 are connected together by a bus barM, which extends between the respective rivets l5 and Hi on the rear ofthe terminal board, since these circuits are to be energized in any onposition of the switch. Also, the ignition switch light terminal I! andthe packing light terminal l8 are mounted by a common rivet l5 sincethey function together at the first on position of the switch. Theheadlight terminal 23 is mounted separately by its own rivet 2|.

These terminals are disposed on the terminal board so that they will lieadjacent the outer periphery of the same, and the securing rivets l5,l6, l9 and 2i, are located equidistant from the center of the terminalboard or the axis of the rotary switch mechanism, and are angularlyspaced from each other in equal increments of 45 degrees. The batteryterminal I is mounted by a rivet 22 at the axial center of the terminalboard and the head of this rivet secures a segment shape contact element23 which projects radially, from the axial center of the terminal board,in a direction opposite the light circuit terminal rivets. The segmentshape contact element 23 has an arcuate length of slightly more than 45degrees and is positioned relative to the heads of the light circuitterminal rivets so as to be engageable by the contact plate 2 only atthe on positions of the switch mechanism as will hereafter appear.

As shown in Fig. 4, the contact element 23, as well as the heads of allthe terminal rivets, are disposed in suitable openings of a dielectricspacer plate 24 so that their surfaces will be flush with the innersurface of the plate 24, as is a common practice in rotary switchconstructions.

As shown, the rivet 25 for the fuse clip 8 is located on the same circleas the light circuit rivets and is likewise spaced 45 degrees angularlyfrom the first light circuit rivet l5, the head of the rivet 25 alsoserving as a contact element. The rivet 26 which secures the fuse clip 9does not, however, function as a contact element and hence its locationon the terminal board is more or less optional so long as it is disposedin a The contact plate 2, by means of which the switch circuits areoperated, comprises a generally circular plate made of a suitableconductor material, one side of which is cut away for a purpose whichwill hereafter be explained, and the opposite margin of which isprovided with a depending flange 27 which serves to secure the plate inits proper position on the rotor 3. This plate is provided with a pairof upwardly projecting contact knobs or bosses 28 and 29, spaced apart90 degrees angularly on the periphery of a circle which has the sameradius from the axis of rotation of the switch parts as the rivets l5,l6, l9, 2! and 25 on the terminal board. These bosses 28 and 29 aresubstantially hemispherical in shape and serve as plate contact meansfor engaging the heads of the several rivets for the light circuits. Thecontact plate 2 also carries a third contact element 30 which is locatedon a line equidistant from the bosses 28 and 29, and which is spacedfrom the axis of rotation of the switch parts a distance lesser than thespacing of the bosses 28 and 29, but suihcient to lie within the area ofthe battery terminal contact element 23.

The contacting elements of the contact plate 2 and the terminal board Iare thus arranged so that upon rotation of the contact plate 2, thebattery terminal contact element 23 and the heads of alternate ones ofthe light circuit terminal rivets will be simultaneously engaged by thecontact plate 2. The normal off position of the contact plate 2 is thatshown in Fig. 3, in which the bosses 28 and 29 are in engagement withthe heads of the rivets l5 and I6, and the contact Si! is out ofengagement with the battery terminal plate 23. However, upon 45 degreesrotation of the contact plate, in the counterclockwise direction asviewed in Fig. 3, the contact 30 is brought into engagement with theplate 23 and the bosses 28 and 29 engage the heads of the rivets l5 and[9 respectively. This is the first on position of the switch mechanismand in such position the tail light and instrument panel light circuits,as well as the ignition switch light and parking light circuits, will beconnected, through the contact plate 2, with the battery terminal plate23, and thereby energized.

The second on position of the switch mechanism is had by rotating thecontact plate 2 through an additional 45 degrees, in thecounterclockwise direction, at which position the contact 30 will stillbe in engagement with the battery terminal plate 23 and the bosses 28and 29 will be in engagement with the heads of the rivets l6 and 2i. Atthis position of the switch, the tail light and instrument panel lightcircuits, which are connected to the terminals I2 and i3 respectively,and the head light circuit, which is connected to the terminal 20, willbe energized; and the circuit through the terminals IT and [8, for theignition and the parking lights, will be opened.

A suitable limit stop 3!, formed in the housing 8, is provided to limitthe rotary movement of the switch parts, and hence the contact plate 2,to the degree arc between the off position of the contact plate 2 andthe second or on position. The operation of the limit stop 3! will belater described in connection with the driving means for the rotatingswitch parts.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the rotor, or movable contact carrier, 3 formy improved switch construction is a substantially circular cup-shapedshell molding from a suitable dielectric material and is designed tosupport and carry the contact plate 2, to house a circuit breakermechanism associated with the contact plate 2, and to support anindependent switching mechanism arranged to operate an emergencylighting circuit upon being actuated through operation of the circuitbreaker associated with the contact plate 2.

As indicated in Fig. l, and as shown in Fig. 4 the circuit breakercomprises a bimetal strip 32 suitably mounted on the lower end of thecontact 30, which is in the form of a rivet that extends through asuitable opening 33 in the contact plate 2. The rivet 30 is insulatedfrom the contact plate 2 by means of an insulating washer 34 disposedbeneath the head of the rivet 30, and by a second insulating washer 35which is provided with a collar 35 designed to enter into the opening 33in the contact plate 2, and to thereby provide an insulating bushing forthe shank for the rivet 30.

The rivet 3c is then securely fastened to the contact plate by means ofa friction type lock washer 37 which is forced over the end of the shankof the rivet 33 before the bimetal strip 32 is attached. Thus thebimetal strip 32 becomes an integral part of the contact plate structurebut is at the same time insulated therefrom.

The bimetal strip 32 is provided with a contact 33 at the end oppositeits point of attachment to the shank of the rivet 39 and the contactplate 2 is provided with a coacting contact 39 which is formed on thebottom side of a tongue 49, which is struck from the body of the contactplate 2 between the bosses 2B and 29 and bent downwardly therefrom, asshown in Fig. 4, to bring the contact 39 into engagement with thecontact 38 on the bimetal strip when the latter is in its normalposition. Thus current entering the switch through the battery terminali and its contact element 23, is transmitted through the contact of thecontact plate 2 to the bimetal strip, and thence to the body of thecontact plate 2 where it may flow through the bosses 28 and 29 to therespective lighting circuits, whose rivets are engaged by the bosses 28and 29, and any overload that may be occasioned in the lighting circuitswhen they are energized, will immediately effect the bimetal strip 32 soas to cause it to heat and bend in the direction to break the engagementbetween the contacts 38 and 39, thereby opening the electric circuit.

As shown, the contact plate 2 together with its circuit breaker assemblyis positioned on the up per side of the rotor 3 so that the circuitbreaker is housed inside of the cup-shaped body of the rotor and therebyfully protected. The contact plate 2 is secured to the rotor 3 by theseating of the depending flange 2! in a peripheral groove 4| formed onthe inside wall of the sides of the rotor shell, and the margins of thecontact plate 2 lie flatly on the upper ends of the walls of the rotorshell so that the contact plate 2 is at all times held firmly in place.

As before mentioned, the rotor or contact carrier 3 is provided withindependent means for actuating an emergency lighting circuit and suchmeans, in the form shown, comprises an arcuately shaped spring arm &2mounted on the upper side of the rotor 3 and positioned on th oppositeside of the rotor from the location of the contact plate bosses 28 and29. It is to provide space on the top side of the rotor 3 for the springarm 52 that the adjacent portion of the contact plate 2 is cut away. Thespring arm a2 is mounted on the rotor 3 by means of a rivet 53, whichrivet also connects one end of a conductor bar Ml which extends parallelwith and below the movable thermal member or bimetal strip 32. As shown,the rotor 3 is provided with a depending portion 15, which is of lesserdiameter than the main body of the rotor, and which is cupped on itsbottom side to provide a seat for a spiral spring 36 which nor= mallybears between the rotor and its actuator or driving element #3 so as toconstantly urge the rotor axially in the direction toward the terminalboard 1. The conductor bar dd extends above the reduced portion throughsuitable slots 47 formed in the rotor side walls so that the uppersurface of the conductor bar dd faces the bottom side of the bimetalstrip 32. Also, the conductor bar id is provided with a contact 58positioned to be engaged, by the thermal member or bimetal strip 32 whenit bends downwardly upon being heated by an overload in a lightingcircuit. Thus, as the bimetal strip 32 is actuated to open a lightingcircuit, it contacts the conductor bar 44 and closes a circuit betweenthe battery contact 38 and the spring arm 42.

As shown in Fig. 3, the spring arm 42 carries a contact boss 49 at itsfree end and the boss 49 is so located that when the contact plate andthe rotor are rotated through degrees, from the off position to thesecond on position, wherein the headlight circuit is energized, the boss49 will be in engagement with the head of the rivet 25 which secures thefuse clip 8.

The terminal i I which is connected to the fuse clip 9 is intended forconnection with an emergency lighting means which could be, for example,the fog lights that are installed on many automotive vehicles. Thus,with my improved rotary switch construction, an overload in theheadlight circuit sufficient to actuate the circuit breaker mechanismassociated with the contact plate 2, and which would otherwise renderthe vehicle without lights, will automatically, through operation of thecircuit breaker, close the emergency circuit through the connector bar44, the spring arm 42, the fuse clip rivet 25, the fuse IO, and the clip9, to the emergency circuit terminal I I, thereby causing the emergencylights to burn so long as the overload condition in the headlightcircuit exists. The fuse i0 is provided to protect this emergencycircuit.

The rotating switch parts, namely, the rotor 3 and the switchingmechanism carried thereby,

are driven by the actuator or carrier plate 4 secured and keyed to theinner end of a drive shaft 5, which extends through a suitable bushingmounted in a central opening in the cover 6, and the connection betweenthe carrier plate 4 and the rotor 3 is provided by a pair of upstandingarms or lugs 56 disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the carrierplate 4 and adapted to engage slidably in suitably located axiallyextending slots 5! formed in the outer side walls of the rotor 3. Thespring 46 is disposed between the carrier plate 4 and the rotor 3 and isunder compression so as to urge the parts 3 and a away from each other.Thus, since the carrier plate 4 is mounted fast on the end of the driveshaft 5 and normally bears against the inner surface of the end of thehousing 8, the rotor is urged axially toward the terminal board toassure pressure engagement of the contacting elements.

As shown, the carrier plate or actuator 4 is provided with downwardlyprojecting knobs or bosses adapted to engage in suitable detents formedin the end of a cover 6, which serve as indicators of the several switchpositions. Also, the switch housing 6 is provided with a limit stop 3!,which is formed by pressing the housing side wall inwardly at anappropriate location, to limit the angular movement of the switch partsupon turning of the drive shaft 5. In order to accomplish this purpose,the carrier plate 4 is cut away at one side and is provided with a pairof stop shoulders 52, located on opposite sides of the diameter of thecarrier plate which runs normal to a line through the lugs or arms 58.The location of the shoulders 52 on the carrier plate is made so thatupon 90 degrees rotation of the carrier plate, one or the other of theshoulders 52 will engage the housing stop 3 l.

In the modified form of this invention illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8inclusive, the terminal board 1, together with its terminal contactrivets and the fused emergency circuit, are exactly the same as has beendescribed for the switch construction shown in Figs. 1 to 4. Also, thehousing 6 and the drive shaft are the same. A modified 'form of therotor or contact carrier and its combined circuit breaker andemergency-circuit means is, however, shown. Also, a somewhat differentarrangement of the spring means for urging the rotor toward the terminalboard i is employed.

In the modified construction, the rotor or carrier member Gil is aninverted cup-shaped element, molded from a suitable dielectric material,and the circuit breaker mechanism together with the battery contact ofthe rotor is mounted in the top wall of the rotor independently of therotor contacts which engage the rivet heads of the several terminals onthe terminal board. Thus, as shown in '5, the rotor battery contact 6.!is mounted directly in the upper wall of the rotor and extendsdownwardly therefrom into the interior oi the rotor where the bimetalstrip 62 is mounted on the end of the battery contact stud. Thecircuitcontacts 63 and E i are likewise formed by studs extending through theupper wall. of the rotor body, and these last mentioned studs supportthe ends of a transversely extending conductor plate 65 which carries athreaded and adjustable contact 65, located midway between the studs 63and 64, adapted to engage a suitable contact on the bimetal strip orthermal member 62. The location of the rotor contacts 61, 63 and 64relative to the axis of the rotor and relative to each other, is exactlythe same as the corresponding contacts on the contact plate 2 of theswitch construction illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, and the switchingoperation together with the opera tion of the circuit breaker is exactlythe same.

In the modified form of the device, the emergency light contact plate6'! is mounted on the bottom side of the rotor, below the bimetal strip62, and is supported by a pair of spaced rivets G8 and 69. The rivet 69also secures one end of the emergency circuit contact spring 79 which isdisposed on the upper side of the rotor diametrically opposite thelocation Of the switching contacts 63 and 54. In this case, because theemergency circuit contact spring 19 must be supported by the rivets 59which also provides support for one side of the emergency circuitcontact plate 61, the spring arm must extend through substantially 90degrees around the margin of the rotor in order to position the springarm contact button, or boss 7!, 90 degrees clockwise from the locationof the contact 63. The location of the spring arm contact button TI issuch that the contact button will engage the head of the rivet .25, seeFig. 2, which mounts the fuse clip 8, when the rotor has been revolvedcounterclockwise to the second on position so as to energize theheadlight circuit.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the upper wall of the rotor 65 is providedwith an annular opening 12 directly above the location of the adjustablescrew contact member 66 which engages the bimetal strip The purpose ofthe opening 12 being to provide 'for access to the adjusting screw forcalibration of the circuit breaker operation.

Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the means for normally urging the rotor 69toward the terminal board comprises a fiat ring type of spring in whichdiametrically opposite portions are bulged upwardly so that the springwill be of wavy form with diametrically opposite high points anddiametrically opposite low points, each 90 degrees from the other. Thus,the high points of the spring l3 support the rotor 60 and the low pointsof the spring 13 rests on the carrier plate or actuator 14. In this casethe rotor is provided with a pair of supporting posts 7! 5 located atdiametrically opposite sides of the rotor, on aline normal to a diameterwhich bisects the location of the contacts 63 and 64, and each of theseposts is provided on its bottom end with a pivot button 116 whichengages the high points of the spring .13. Thus, the rotor or contactcarrier member can pivot laterally on a line which intersects thetriangle formed by the contacts BI, 63 and BI and a uniform contactpressure on the heads of the terminal rivets on the terminal board isassured at every position of the rotor during the switching operation.

The actuator or carrier plate 14, which drives the rotor 60, is ofsubstantially the same form as the carrier plate 4 shown in Fig. 1 andis provided with stop shoulders in the same manner. This carrier platealso engages the rotor by means of upwardly extending arms 11 which fitinto axially extending notches 18 formed in the outer periphery of therotor body; and in addition the carrier plate 14 is provided withupstanding arms !9 at diametrically opposite points, 90 degrees removedfrom the arm H, which engage in suitable notches formed in the peripheryof the spring element 13. Thus the spring elementcannot become displacedangularly relative to the pivots l6 on the bottom side of the rotorbody.

The operation of the modified form of switch is exactly as thatdescribed for the switch illustrated in Fi s. 1 to 4 inclusive, and theoperation of the emergency circuit when the switch is turned to thesecond on position, where the headlight circuit is energized, is thesame as has been described. Thus, the difference between the two formsof switches shown reside wholly in the construction of the rotor and thearrangement of the circuit breaker therein, and in the arrangement ofthe spring means for normally urging the rotor toward the terminalboard.

The form of switching contact carrier or rotor shown in Figs. 9, l0 and11, is similar to the carrier shown in Fig. 4, in that the rotor is a.cup-shaped device molded on dielectric material and the switchingcontacts 8! and 82 are carried on a contact plate 83 mounted with apress fit in a recess formed around the margin of the open end of therotor body. In the modified rotor form, however, the battery or powersource contact '84 is in the form of a solid stud projecting upwardlyfrom a step or shelf 85, formed within the interior of the rotor body,the stud 84 having a hollow rivet-like shank 85 which extends through asuitable opening in the step 84 and is staked over at its bottom end tosecure the stud rigidly to the rotor body. In this case the thermalmember or bimetal blade 8'! is mounted directly on the step 85 and isfirmly clamped by the power source contact stud 84; and the contactingend 88 of the circuit breaker blade is disposed to engage a suitablecontact 89 carried on a depending finger 90 pressed from the centralportion of the contact plate 83. Thus this form or the rotor providesfor a simplified mounting of the circuit breaker blade within the rotorbody. Also, the circular shape of the contact plate 83 reduces theamount of metal required for that element, and the necessity ofinsulating the power source contact 84 from the contact plate, isobviated.

In the form of the carrier or rotor illustrated in Figs. 12 to 14inclusive, the carrier 9| is again a cup-shaped body and is similar inthat respect to the rotor shown in Fig. 4. However, in this case, thebimetal blade of the circuit breaker also serves the function of acontact plate which carries the switching contacts. In this form of thecarrier, the bimetal blade 92 of the circuit breaker is mounted at oneend, on a shelf 93 recessed into one side of the open end of the carrierbody, by means of a rivet or stud 94 which extends through the body, thecircuit breaker blade being thus disposed slightly below the plane ofthe face of the open end of the body.

The mounting stud 96 is located in the position of the power sourcecontact and its upper end 95 is formed to serve that function. Theswitching contacts 86 and 9? are formed on the outer or free end of thecircuit breaker blade and are spaced from each other and from the powesource contact element 35, in the same manner the switching contacts ofthe other forms of carriers so as to be regi terable with predeterminedpairs of the terminal contacts on the terminal board i when the carrier9! is shifted in a plane parallel with the contact surface of theterminal board.

Since the carrier or rotor 95 is normally urged toward the terminalboard by a spring seated in the recess 98 on the bottom side of therotor body, it is necessary to provide some means for preventing thepressure exerted on the rotor, to urge it toward the terminal board,from being transmitted to the bimetal blade of the circuit breakerthrough the contact elements 86 and 9'3. This is accomplished byproviding a pair of embossments 99 and E00, on the upper surface of therotor body, which embossments are formed to have a height above theupper face of the rotor body, that is the same as the height of thecontact head The embossments 99 and IM are located on the opposite sideof the center of the rotor from the position of the contact 95, andpreferably as close as possible, to a line through t contacts 95 and ti.These embossments, together with the contact 95, take the pressure ofthe spring action against the seat at and serve to keep the rotor spaceda constant predetermined distance from and parallel with the contactface of the terminal board I regardless of the action of the circuitbreaker blade 92. Thus, the contact pressure of the contacts 96 and 9?against the terminal board is derived solely from the tension providedin the circuit breaker blade at the time of its calibration; and thethree point support provided by the contact 95 and the embossments 99and me being such that the axial center of the rotor lies within thetriangle formed by the embossments and the contact 95, the rotor 9| ismaintained constantly in a plane parallel with the terminal boardregardless of any eccentricity unevenness in the axial pressure of thespring seated in the recess 98.

In order to maintain constancy of the calibration of the circuit breakerblade, it is absolutely essential that the circuit breaker blade beindependent of any forces urging the carrier or rotor toward the contactface of the terminal board and that the spacing of the rotor from theface of the terminal board be constant and equal at all points. This isaccomplished by the arrangement shown in Figs. 12 to 14 inclusive andthe construction provides a practical means for utilizing the circuitbreaker itself for the switching contacts while at the same timemaintaining the circuit breaker substantially independent of any of theforces acting on the various switch parts during its operation.

It will be understood that while the emergency iii circuit featureheretofore described is not shown embodied in the rotor constructionillustrated in Figs. 9 to 14 inclusive, such emergency circuit provisionmay be made in substantially the same manner as that shown for the rotorconstructions illustrated in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive.

The main advantages of this invention reside in the unitary constructionof the swi tact carrie and circuit breaker mechanism wherein overloadprotection is provided for all of the switching circuits by means thatis independent of and uneffeeted by the motion of the carrier or theoperating forces exerted on the switch parts during the switchingoperation; and in the arrangement wherein the circuit breaker isprotectively housed and in no way afiects the balance of contactpressure between the several movable and stationary contacts.

Other advantages of the improved switch reside in the simpleconstruction and arrangement for providing an emergency circuit whichbecomes activated automatically upon the occurrence of an overloadcondition in one of the principal circuits; and in the constructionwhereby the circuit breaker may be accurately calibrated and thecalibration will remain undisturbed by any of the switch operations orcontact carrier movements.

Although several embodiments of this invention have been herein shownand described, it will be understood that numerous details of theconstructions shown may be altered or omitted without departing from thespirit of this invention as defined by the following claims.

I claim:

1. An electric switch comprising a terminal board having a pair ofspaced terminal contacts on one face, a carrier movable over the saidone face of the terminal board and having a pair of contacts insulatedfrom each other and spaced and adapted to be engaged with the saidterminal contacts on said terminal board to complete a circuittherebetween upon predetermined movement of said carrier, and a circuitbreaker mounted on said carrier electrically in series with the contactsthereof and mechanically independent of the engagement of the contactsof said carrier and said terminal board, said circuit breaker comprisinga movable switch member having current responsive means for operationbetween two positions to interrupt a circuit.

2. An electric switch comprising a terminal board having a pair ofspaced terminal contacts on one face, a carrier movable over the saidone face of the terminal board and having a pair of contacts insulatedfrom each other and movable to engage with the said terminal contacts onsaid terminal board to complete a circuit therebetween, a movable switchmember mounted on said carrier electrically in series with the contactsthereof and mechanically independent of the engagement of said carrierand said terminal board contacts with each other, said switch memberhaving current responsive means for operation between two positions tointerrupt a circuit, a third contact on said carrier independent of theothers and insulated therefrom, a third terminal contact on saidterminal board positioned to be engaged by the third contact of saidcarrier when the first mentioned contacts are engaged, and means on saidcarrier operable to complete a circuit between said switch member andthe third contact of said carrier upon overload actuation of said switchmember.

3. An electric switch comprising a terminal board having a plurality ofspaced terminal contacts on one face and a separate contact on said faceleading to a power source, a carrier shiftable over said one face of theterminal board, a pair of switching contacts on said carrier insulatedfrom each other and movable to engage respectively with said powersource contact and selected ones of said terminal contacts to complete acircuit therebetween, a movable switch member mounted on said carrierelectrically in series with said switching contacts and mechanicallyindependent of the engagement of said carrier and terminal boardcontacts with each other, said switch member having current responsivemeans for operation between two positions to interrupt a circuit, andmeans to shift said carrier.

4. An electric switch comprising a terminal board having a plurality ofspaced terminal contacts on one face and a separate contact on said faceleading to a power source, a carrier shiftable over said one face of theterminal board, a pair of switching contacts on said carrier insulatedfrom each other and movable to engage respectively with. said powersource contact and selected ones of said terminal contacts to complete acircuit therebetween, a movable switch member mounted. on said carrierelectrically in series withsaid switching contacts and mechanicallyindependent of the engagement of said carrier and terminal boardcontacts with each other, said switch member having current responsivemeans for operation between two positions to interrupt a circuit, meansto shift said carrier, an independent emergency circuit contact on saidterminal board', a third contact on said carrier disposed toengage theemergency circuit contact when one of, said switching contacts isengaged with a predetermined one of said terminal contacts, and means onsaid carrier adapted to close a circuit between said switch member andsaid third contact upon overload actuation of said current responsivemeans.

5. An electric switch, comprising a terminal board havin a plurality ofspaced terminal contacts on one face, one ofysaidterminal contacts beingconnected toa power source, a hollow car.- rier having a pair ofswitching. contacts insulated from eachother andmovable to engage withsaid terminal contacts, said. carrier being shiftable in a planeparallel with saidone face of said terminal board for engaging anddisengaging said switching and terminal contacts, a movable switch.member mounted within the body of said. carrier and fixedlyconnectedthereto, said switch member having currentresponsive means foroperation between two positions to interrupt a circuit, means nor nally,connecting said switch member in series, with saidswitching contacts,and mean normally urging. said carrier toward the face of saidterminalboard,

6. In an electric switchthe combinationwith a terminal board having aplurality of. spaced terminal contacts thereon one of, which connectswith a power source, acarrier movable over..the face of said terminalboard and havinga pair of spaced switching contact for. engaging withsaid terminal contacts, said switching'contacts being electricallyinsulated from each other; and a circuit breaker mounted on said'carrierand connected electrically in series with saids'witc'hing contacts, saidcircuit breaker comprising a movable member responsive to apredetermined current condition for operation between two positions tointerrupt a circuit; of an emergency circuit comprising a separateterminal contact on said terminal board, a third contact means onsaid'carrier disposed to engage said separate terminal contact at apredetermined position of said carrier, and means operable upon overloadactuation'of said circuit breaker for completing a circuit therethroughto said third contact means. l

7. An electric switch comprising a terminal board having a pair ofterminal contacts on one face spaced angularly about a common axis, oneof which contacts connectswith a power source, a carrier mounted forrotation on said axis and having switching contact means movable toengage said terminal contacts to close a circuit therebetween, means torotate said carrier and means normally urging saidcarrier axially towardthe contact face of said terminal board, said carrier and switchingcontact means comprising a body having a pair of contact elementsdisposed relative to its axis and to each other to be registerable withthe said terminal contacts, said contact elements being insulatedfromeach other, a movable switch member having current responsive means foroperation between two positions to interrupt a circuit and having oneend fixed to one of said contact elements. on the side thereof oppositesaid terminal board, and a conductor means connected to the othercontact element and disposed to be normally engaged by the free'endportion of said switch member;

8. An electric switch comprising a terminal boardhaving a pair ofterminal contacts on one face spaced angularly about a common axis,cneof which contacts connects with a. power source, a carrier mountedfor rotation on said axis and having switching contact means movabletoengage said terminal contacts to close a circuit therebetween, means torotate said carrier, and means. normally urging said carrier axiallytoward the contact face of said terminal board, said carrier andswitching contact means comprising a hollow body having a pair ofcontact elements facing axially from one end and disposed relativetoeach other and the carrier axisto beregisterable with the said terminalcontacts, oneof saidcontact elements being insulated from the v other, amovable switch. mem- 1 moun d. t n a d o y. a d havin on end fixedlyconnected to said one contact. element, said switch member havingcurrent. re.- sponsive. means for operation. between, two positions tointerrupt a circuit, and. a, conductor means connected to the other\contact. element anddisposed to be normally engaged by theothspend fa'idswi ch'member.'

9. An electric switch comprising. a terminal board having threeterminal, contacts. on. one face spaced radially from acommon axis,oneof which contacts connectswith a, power source, a carriermou'ntedifor rotationion said. axis. and having switching, contact.means. foren gaging said terminal contacts to close. a circuit, betweenthepower source contact andthe others, means to rotate saidcarrier, andmeans. normallyurging saidcarrier axially towardlthefcontact face ofsaid terminal board, saidcarrier and switching contact means comprisinga body having three contact elements, each insulated fromthe r a t monted. pr n a e h the corresponding terminalcontact whenthe others are soengaged, a bimetal circuit breaker blade havin a s. an. es 9 e cniaelement which engages the power source terminal cantact, a conductormeans normally engaging the free end portion of said blade and connectedto one of the other contact elements, and means connected to theremaining contact element and disposed for engagement by the said bladewhen the same becomes actuated by an overload condition.

10. In a rotary electric switch, a rotatably mounted switching contactcarrier comprising a hollow cup-shaped body having a transverse end wallof dielectric material, a pair of spaced contact elements on the outerside of said end wall, each of said contact elements extending throughthe end Wall to the interior of said body, a bimetal circuit breakerblade movable in response to a predetermined current condition disposedwithin said body and having one end rigidly secured on one of saidcontact elements, a conductor plate on the inner side of said end wallhaving connection with the other contact element, and contact means onsaid conductor plate normally engaging the movable portion of saidcircuit breaker blade, said contact means having threaded engagementwith said plate for adjustment toward and away from said circuit breakerblade, and said contact elements being movable with said carrier forengagement with complementary contacts on a stationary terminal board.

11. In a rotary electric switch, a rotatably mounted switching contactcarrier comprising a hollow cup-shaped body having a transverse end wallof dielectric material, a pair of spaced contact elements on the outerside of said end wall, each of said contact elements extending throughthe end wall to the interior of said body, a bi metal circuit breakerblade movable in response to a predetermined current condition disposedwithin said body and having one end rigidly secured on one of saidcontact elements, a conductor plate on the inner side of said end wallhaving connection with the other contact element, contact means on saidconductor plate normally engaging one face of the movable portion ofsaid circuit breaker blade, said contact means having threadedengagement with said plate for adjustment toward and away from saidcircuit breaker blade, a conductor bar mounted on said body in spacedrelation with the other face of said circuit breaker blade and disposedto be engaged by said blade when the same is actuated by an overloadcurrent condition, and a third contact element mounted on the outer sideof said body end wall and electrically connected with said conductorbar, said contact elements being movable with said carrier forengagement with complementary contacts on a stationary terminal board.

12. In an electric switch, a movable contact carrier comprising adielectric body having a plurality of fixed means projecting from oneface of the body adapted to space said body parallel with and asubstantially constant predetermined distance from the surface of aterminal board with which the carrier is intended to coact, one of saidmeans being a contact element fixedly mounted on said carrier body, acircuit breaker blade movable in response to a predetermined currentcondition disposed substantially parallel with said one face of saidbody and having one end fixedly secured by said contact element, and acontact projecting beyond the face of said body from the other end ofsaid circuit breaker blade for engaging the surface of the terminalboard under tension from said blade only.

13. An electric switch comprising a terminal board having a flat faceand a plurality of spaced terminal contacts substantially flushtherewith, a contact carrier movable over the face of said terminalboard, and means normally urging said carrier toward the face of saidterminal board, said contact carrier comprising a body having a contactelement fixedly mounted thereon and projecting from one face toward saidterminal board, a plurality of embossments on said one face of said bodyspacedfrom each other and from said contact element angularly about acommon axis, a circuit breaker blade movable in response to apredetermined current condition having one end mounted fixedly on saidbody by said contact element, said blade extending substantiallyparallel with the face of said body between said embossments, and acontact on the other end of said blade projecting toward and engageablewith the face of said terminal board, said blade contact and saidcontact element being spaced from each other for engaging selected pairsof said terminal contacts.

14. In an electric switch, the combination with a terminal board havinga pair of spaced terminal contacts thereon one of which connects with apower source, a carrier movable over the face of said terminal board andhaving a pair of switching contacts for engaging with said terminalcontacts, and a movable switch member mounted on said carrierelectrically in series with said switching contacts and having currentresponsive means for operation between two positions to interrupt acircuit; of an emergency circuit comprising a separate terminal contacton said terminal board, a third contact means on said carrier positionedfor engaging said separate terminal contact when said switching contactsare engaged with the first mentioned ter minal contacts, and meansoperable upon current-overload actuation of said movable switch memberfor completing a circuit therethrough to said third contact means.

15. An electric switch comprising a terminal board member having a pairof spaced terminal contacts on one face, a carrier member movable overthe said one face of the terminal board member and having contact meansthereon spaced for engagement with said terminal contactssimultaneously, one of said members having a circuit breaker blademounted thereon and movable in response to a predetermined currentcondition to interrupt a circuit, means on said carrier for connectingsaid circuit breaker blade electrically in series with said terminalcontacts when said carrier contact means are in engagement therewith,separate contact means for engaging said circuit breaker blade uponcurrentoverload actuation thereof, and means for con necting saidseparate contact means to a second circuit from said terminal boardindependently of the normal circuit through the terminal contactsthereof.

16. The combination with an electric switch comprising a terminal boardhaving a pair of spaced terminal contacts thereon one of which connectswith a power source, and a carrier movable over the face of saidterminal board and having a pair of spaced switching contacts movabletherewith for engaging said terminal contacts, said switching contactsbeing electrically in series with each other for completing a circuitthrough said terminal contacts, of a movable switch member normally incircuit with the power source and the other terminal contact when saidswitching contacts are engaged with 152' the terminal contacts and:having current.- responsive means for operation between two positions tointerrupt said circuit, and; other contact means for engaging saidmovable switch. member: upon current-overload actuation. thereof and:closin a second circuit including the; power-source;

17. A movable switching contact. carrienfor. an electric switchcomprising a, body having a. pair of switching contacts. mountedononeside thereof; and. insulated from. each. other; for engagementwith. the contacts of a switch terminaL board-,. a movable. thermal.member mounted on. saidz body. and comprising means. responsive toaapredetermined. current overload condition for operation between twopositions to interrupt a circuit, means normally connecting; said.movable. memher in. series with saidswitching; contacts, and means onsaid contact carrier for coupling; said carrier to an actuator..

18. A movable switching contact carrier, for. an electric switch,comprising a. body: having a. pair of switching contacts mounted-1ononersidethereof and insulated from eachother for. engagement with thecontacts of a switch terminal;board, a movable thermal member mounted:on. said; body. and comprising means responsive. tdas predeterminedcurrent condition for operation between two positions to interrupt a.circuit,.means; normally connecting saidmovable thermal: member inseries with. said, switching; contacts. a. third switching contact on.said body insulatedfrom the other switching contacts means: electricallyconnected to said thirdswitchingcontact for-engaging said movable memberupon current-over.- load operation thereof, and means on said con:- tactcarrier for coupling said'carrier toanacturator.

19. A movable switching contact. carrier. for an electric switch, saidcarrier comprising; a body having a. pair of switching contacts. on:oneside thereof and movable therewith: for engagement with the contacts ofa switch terminal: board,.a' movable thermal member mountedon said bodyelectrically-in series'with said contacts and.c0m;-

prising means: responsive: to: tr predetermined overloads condition ionoperation between two positionsto interrupfma' circuit, a thirdswitching contact om said body; insulated. from the other switchingcontacts,. means electrically connected to: saidthirdswitching. contact.for engaging said movable member upon current-overload operation.thereof, and; means on said contact carrier for: coupling; said; carrierto an actuator.

20.111 an; electric. switch, a terminal board having. at. least one:contact for cooperation. with a movable contact. carrier;,said carriercomprising a; body having aplurality; of spaced rigid. means projectinga uniform. distance from one face of the: body for spacing said bodyparallel with. and at. a substantially constant predetermined distance:from, thesurface' of said terminal board, oneof. saidimeans being a.contact element: fixedly mounted on: said carrier: body,. a. circuit.breaker blade? movable. in. response too a: predetermined current:-condition mounted on. said. carrier and having". one end free; and theother end? fixedly secured by'saidcontactelement, andzmeans movablewithzsaid' carrier for completing. a circuit to the contact. on. said:terminal board from said contact. element: through the free end of saidcircuit breaker: blade:

References Citedinthe file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 851,429 Hewitt et all, Apr. 23; 1907 970,169. Birsfield Sept.13, 1910 1,825,811. Nelson Oct. 6', 1931 1,856,878 Ludwig May 3,1932l",8.75;62'5 Ludwig, Sept. 6', 1932 1189817 1. Dubilier Feb. 21,19332,008,293. Norvielf July 16;.1935 2,0365% Bel1. Apr, 7,11933 2,270,496.Bell Jan. 20,1942 2,418,831; Hamilton. ..1. Apr..15,'.1947, 2,471,925Bolesky May. 31,1949 2,475,390 Webb July-5, 1949

